“Just because you have insurance cover does not mean you don’t have to be responsible for your own behaviour. In fact you could unwittingly invalidate your insurance if you break the law or are disorderly,”

“Many travel insurance policies carry exemptions if you do something illegal. Jaywalking for example, isn’t illegal in the UK but it is in some overseas countries,”

“If you cross the road when the light is on red, you face a fine – which you could do without on holiday.”

“But in the worst case scenario, you could be knocked down by a car and find that your insurer is not obliged to cover you for medical bills, or to get you home, or to pursue a case for compensation if someone else is negligent and injures you”.

Jaywalking is an offence in most US states, and destinations popular with hen and stag parties such as the Czech Republic and Poland.

The sun-seekers out there should be aware that Greece also has some strict laws relating to taste and decency, which can carry hefty fines. Even some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and violate the law.

In Mallorca and Barcelona, sunbathers who leave the beach still stripped to their swimwear could be fined as much as £500. And driving penalties in Spain can be much tougher than in the UK – just 1km per hour above the speed limit can result in a fine of around £400 for a tourist.

“If you’ve had a run-in with the law while you’re overseas, however small, it might be held against you if you need to make a claim for something,” adds Jonathan.

“It’s easy to throw caution to the wind when on holiday but it’s worth knowing the local laws and customs before you set off.

Happy Holidays!

For more information on this area, please feel free to contact Martin by email at mhanna@fhanna.co.uk or alternatively please leave us your comments below

*APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) is a not-for-profit organisation whose members are dedicated to campaigning for improvements in the law to help people who are injured or become ill through no fault of their own.